I like the idea of avoiding crowds but at the same time I'm afraid to be in the 100 mile wilderness alone or anywhere at night in the woods for that matter. I am counting on
the fear to slowly disapate after a few nights, but I know I will spend a couple terrified.
nothing to fear Nina. either way its the experience.
I have often contemplated which way to go. I love the thought of Maine in the fall, but I can do that as a section hike anytime. Getting to know a group of hikers and interacting with them for months would be cool, but I'm not into crowds and that seems to be the case for the first few months NOBO. I don't particularly enjoy blackflies and to go SOBO means (I think) that I would have to deal with them much more so than on a NOBO hike, but that is only a small percentage of the total trip. Overall, it would seem to me that SOBO is the better option. I can always do a NOBO later if I still wanted to try it after we get our PCT and CDT hikes completed.
Take a child hiking, or there won't be any trails in the future!
Nina,
Have you been out overnight before? If not then I suggest a few overnighters to get used to it and that will be one less concern for you when you start the actual thru hike. The night can be one of the coolest times to be on the trail. Once you embrace the reality that there is nothing out there in the dark that's not there in the daylight, and it doesn't mean you any harm, it's great to lay in your bag and just listen to the night life.
Last edited by Engine; 05-04-2009 at 10:55. Reason: sp
Take a child hiking, or there won't be any trails in the future!
I do plan on an overnight hike, and then a week long one before I go. I just know I'll be awake all night with my eyes poping out of my head and I just hate that feeling, but thats the only way to get rid of it.
You won't be alone unless you want to. I only spent 1 night alone in the wilderness. Other were supposed to join me, but had to stop short for an injury. Tons of kids camp groups going through there in June and July. I was amazed by the number of roads, day hikers, and people in the wilderness.
I had planned to go north but had to move to SOBO due to work. Now after all the planning and prep. it does not seem as important. The fact that I am going- just going is the real beauty.---Two Tents.
I could try SOBO. Think it would be cool![]()